How to Stay Active in the Catholic Community

Catholic identity and community are almost synonymous, and when you enroll your child in a Catholic school, you immediately become part of our family. Once you’ve joined us, here are some great ways to stay involved within the school and beyond.

As far as being involved with school activities, we’ve taken care of one thing for you: the minute you enrolled your child in a Catholic school, you automatically became a member of the Home and School Association (HSA), the Catholic parent-teacher organization. The HSA brings home-life and school-life together, and is responsible for the majority of fun school events and fundraising; for example, dances, book fairs, and food drives. When it comes to helping out the HSA, “the more volunteers the merrier,” and we invite you to assist in any way you can. After all, parental involvement is an essential part of creating a positive school environment. Plus, when values are aligned and reinforced both at home and at school, your child will receive a well-rounded education that encompasses both worlds. Look for links to the HSA on your individual school’s website, where you’ll find tons of information about the organization, and also on the individual schools’ Facebook pages.

The Home and School Association is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to being involved in the Catholic school community. There are many opportunities for you to be a part of the school day. For example, at St. James School in Manchester, you can apply for the positions of library or classroom helper, as well as donate any special skills you may have such as painting, technology expertise, carpentry and electrical work. After school, you can let your Catholic school spirit shine whether you are cheering on your son’s football squad, your daughter’s debate team, or your youngest child’s school play. You may also consider getting involved with Catholic Scouting. Scouting is a great way for young people to come together under the guidance of strong adult role models in an environment that focuses on personal growth, community service, and most of all: fun. For information on how to become a parent leader, click here.

Last, but certainly not least, look to your local parish — many school websites will have a direct link to the affiliated church and its events calendar. Attending weekly Mass is a great way to reach out to other members and find out what is going on in the community. For information on how to be involved across the Archdiocese of Hartford, visit the Upcoming Events Page on The Office of Religious Education’s website or the calendar on the Archdiocese of Hartford’s website.

When it comes to your involvement, everyone here at the schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford cannot stress how much it means to us. In reaching out to the community, you serve as a role model to your child and to everyone around you. You also receive all the benefits that come with having an extended, supportive family, not to mention the good feelings that come with volunteering and service.

Do you have other ways of staying active in your Catholic community? Let us know in the comments below!